JOEY BARTON claimed Scott Brown isn’t in his league but it would take something special to top the Celtic captain’s Parkhead performance against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

The big name Old Firm midfield rivals were in the headlines yesterday, the Hoops star for his on-field Euro display against the Israelis and Barton for more yet comments off the park.

Barton has been accused of being all mouth and no trousers while Brown did his talking on the park to drive Celtic a step closer to the lucrative Champions League group stages with a 5-2 first leg play-off win.

The win came on the day Ibrox star Barton aimed a cheeky “teeth and tan” jibe at Brendan Rodgers but the Celtic boss had a beaming smile in the dug out on Wednesday night.

Barton has made plenty of headlines since agreeing to join Gers but as yet none for his performances and plenty reckon rejuvenated Brown will put him in his place when they meet in the east end of Glasgow on September 10.

Celtic's Scott Brown celebrates scoring their fifth goal

Lance Little, Erskine , emailed: “The real Scott Brown is back. He ruled the midfield. Boundless energy. Breaking up attacks and driving the team forward at every opportunity. A captain’s performance topped off with a goal. Fully fit and back to his best.”

Dunky Robertson, London , said: “Scott Brown must be the best midfielder in Britain, or maybe even Europe, right now.”

Michael McManus, Cambuslang , said: “Scott Brown was absolutely magnificent. He had a lot of critics last season but he was outstanding and it’s all down to Brendan Rodgers.”

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Jimmy McGuire, Milton Keynes , said: “Joey Barton should do his talking on the park. I’ve seen so many people shout their mouth off and turn out to be rotten.”

Charlie Goldie, Glasgow , said: “What are they putting in the players’ tea at Ibrox? All we keep hearing is sarcasm and how good they are. Wes Foderingham is the latest to tell us they are a class apart and Scottish football should beware.

“You have to laugh because they will be put firm in their place by Celtic. We are getting sick and tired of their comments and they should give it a rest.”

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Andy Irvine, Haghill , said: “Joey Barton talks utter rubbish.”

Bernadette Parker, Hamilton , said: “Joey Barton is a clown and nobody is interested in what he has to say.”

Michael Edmonds, Northampton , said: “Joey Barton was critical of Pep Guardiola’s treatment of Joe Hart. But what about Mark Warburton’s treatment of Ian Durrant who was axed without face to face talks?”

Not everyone was impressed with Brown’s display. William Hill, Newcraighall , said: “I nearly choked on my Coco Pops when I read Brendan Rodgers in my Record Sport saying Scott Brown could easily play in the English Premier League.

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“I had to check that it wasn’t a comment from the late comedian Ted Rodgers.”

Richard Hamilton emailed: “I’m a Rangers fan but I can see Brendan Rodgers has got Celtic going. Last season they would have crumbled when Hapoel Beer Sheva pulled two goals back. But this will still be our season.”

Celtic are on the verge of a return to the Euro big time with their convincing win but some fans hit out at the supporters who ignored UEFA and police warnings not to take Palestine flags to the game.

Celtic fans with Palestinian flags (Image: Reuters/Russell Cheyne)

John Kerr, Coatbridge , said: “Do these Celtic fans realise how much damage they’re doing to the club. We could be playing Real Madrid at an empty Parkhead.”

Paul Kelly, Stirling , said: “Celtic have gone from the Fair Play award in Seville to a series of fines from UEFA. Will the Green Brigade protest against Nir Bitton next? They’re self indulgent.

“The club gave them a platform and must come down hard on them. There is no point in qualifying for the Champions League if the stadium is closed and we can’t see the games.”

Paddy Purcell, East Lothian , said: “Celtic should identify the fans who took Palestine fans into Parkhead and make them pay any UEFA fine that might be coming the club’s way.”

Joe Clark, Townhead , said: “What are the clowns thinking about by taking Palestine flags. They were told not to fly them, especially given the Israeli opposition. What will it take to get the message? Closing Parkhead down. We used to get awards for being the best fans.”

Bill Anderson, East Kilbride , said: “Once again Celtic fans ruin the reputation of Scotland in the eyes of UEFA. When will they ever learn?”